Five men who say they were sexually abused by Catholic priests planning to sue the Vatican

Once again we got disturbing news regarding the Roman Catholic Church merely two weeks ago. A heartbreaking tale which sadly follows an exasperating yet recurring theme of child sex abuse perpetrated by the clergy. A story that seems way too familiar to us these days. As the purported victims are very much alike and venues often the same.

Most recently we learned about five other suspects that were implicated in Michigan just last week. As the Attorney General Dana Nessel nailed a number of ex-clergymen with 21 felony charges, all of them relating to criminal sexual conduct. This part of a lengthy Lansing probe into the seven state Catholic dioceses which began in summer of 2018, going back decades as far as the mid 20th century. Still that did not signal an end to the inquiry. As Governor Gretchen Whitmer included an additional $2 million in her state’s budget that is allocated for added probes.

This troubling trend appears to long precede that defined span. In 1629, the first accusations of child abuse were made by fellow priests; according to contemporary letters and documents. However the insular nature of these institutions along with a divine element have proven to be significant barriers. Many believe that in addition to an exceedingly deferential approach taken by authorities the antiquated Canon law is to blame for shielding and protecting the priesthood. A code of silence long observed by the legion in positions of power. With a misguided belief that perverted type of transgression should be treated as a sin rather than a crime.

The silent struggle quietly endured even up until 2015. Then the motion picture Spotlight was released. This drama would chronicle a team of Boston Globe reporters that discovered a shockingly systemic pattern of child abuse and subsequent cover ups in their local parish. Furthermore by extension a whole religious institution. The primary focus at first was father John Geoghan. A church elder who later was ousted in 1998 after victimizing at least 80 children. As well as countless others that never had their day in court.

Another calamitous turn of events came in August. When stunning developments would emerge from a grand jury investigation ordered by the Attorney General’s office in Pennsylvania. They submitted an extensive report that revealed a staggering level of institutional misconduct. Over 300 priests were presumed to be involved with upward of a thousand minors and young adults, these reported incidents covering a period of 70 years. Their youth and innocence left shattered. How could that wretched activity persist unchecked for this prolonged period of time?

In view of these findings we saw the Vatican take several surprising actions. Among them were quickly offering compensation to certain individuals who can present valid grievances against the Church. Despite a statute of limitations being in effect as well, a fair number of which may be expired. Although critics feel this could in fact be a defensive move designed to minimize liabilities in the future.

Which leaves the Church broken and busted. How can this ever be fixed? What will they do? Presently faith and trust in the papacy are widely perceived at a historic low. An establishment viewed as preaching an archaic life style from a distant era. A bell that rings hollow and a message to match.

Jacob Ellis is a Michigan-based writer with a passion for crafting thoughtful, investigative content that goes beyond the noise of today's polarized mainstream media. Whether covering politics, sports or local issues, Jacob applies his admiration for storytelling and journalism to every word.